Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2019 Contents 1.0 The Plan
1.0 The Plan...... 1 1.1 Why has this plan been Management of land in the coastal zone requires 1.1 Why has this plan been developed? ...... 1 consideration of a range of coastal and marine issues, developed? and is governed under a variety of legislative and 1.2 Why are we responsible for the foreshore?...... 1 The Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves policy instruments. The Cooloola Coast supports 1.3 What are we trying to achieve with this Plan?...... 1 Management Plan (the Plan) has been designed to significant environmental values, including the Great 1.4 Use of this Plan...... 2 direct the management of specific coastal reserves Sandy Strait, which is an internationally recognised 1.5 Relationship to other Plans...... 2 within the Gympie region. It provides the management Ramsar wetland, a nationally recognised Important 1.6 Review...... 2 intent and vision for these areas, consistent with Wetland of Australia (DIWA), and a State Marine Park (see Appendix C). Migratory and threatened 1.7 Legislative context...... 2 Council policy and the requirements of State and Federal legislation. species occur through this area as well as important 2.0 Foreshore Reserves...... 9 remnant vegetation communities (see Appendix D). 2.1 Reserve classifications...... 9 This plan will enable new development and general The foreshore provides important recreational and 2.2 Planning principles for management of reserves...... 10 maintenance within these reserve classifications to economic values for the communities of Tin Can Bay, be consistent with the intended use of the reserve, 2.3 Management Actions for all Reserve Types...... 14 Cooloola Cove and Rainbow Beach, as well as the and in line with current best practice environmental broader Gympie region. 3.0 Environmental Values of the Foreshore Reserves...... 18 management. This plan will be available for use 3.1 Reserve governance...... 18 both internally within Council and externally by 3.2 Great Sandy Strait Wetlands and tidal waterways...... 18 infrastructure service providers such as Telstra 1.3 What are we trying to 3.3 Coastal regional ecosystem types...... 18 and Energex; local NRM community groups such achieve with this Plan? as Coastcare; or any group wishing to undertake 3.4 Priority local species...... 20 approved works on the foreshore. The key objectives of the Plan are as follows: 3.5 Coastal fauna...... 20 • Habitat, species and sites of Federal, State, and Vision: 3.6 Coastal flora...... 20 Local significance within coastal foreshore reserves The Cooloola Coast’s foreshore reserves are 3.7 Cultural heritage...... 20 are protected from recreational, management and managed to enhance and maintain their natural development activities. 4.0 Management principles and guidelines...... 21 values, whilst also providing recreational • Water quality in the coastal zone is preserved at 4.1 Overview ...... 21 opportunities for residents and visitors. a standard that protects and maintains coastal 4.2 Management guidelines...... 21 ecosystems and their ability to support human use 4.3 Infrastructure improvements...... 26 1.2 Why are we responsible for and ecological function. 5.0 Monitoring and review...... 27 • The unique characteristics of each coastal 6.0 Actions...... 28 the foreshore? community are preserved within the context of 7.0 Glossary...... 31 The foreshores of the Cooloola Coast were originally their physical setting and recognised for their declared under the management and control of the importance to the quality of life of both residents 8.0 Appendices...... 33 Widgee Shire Council through a proclamation by an and visitors. Appendix A - foreshore declaration A - foreshore proclamation...... 34 Order in Council in 1970 in relation to coastal bathing • Areas of scenic value are preserved and the natural Appendix B - foreshore declaration B - bathing reserve order...... 36 reserves, and by the Chief Justice of Queensland in character of the coast is retained. Appendix C - environmental context A - Ramsar wetland...... 38 1979 as a proclamation under the Local Government • Foreshore recreational facilities are designed, Act 1936-1978. Since this time, the majority of the Appendix D - environmental context B - threatened species...... 41 provided and maintained to satisfy local and visitor foreshore remains the responsibility of Council. This Appendix E - HAT Maps...... 44 demand and to encourage and support sustainable is the case in relation to reserve land held by Council tourism. in trust and freehold land owned by Council (see Appendix A and B). • A wide diversity of high-quality recreational opportunities, consistent with the protection of the natural and cultural values of the region and the quality of visitor experience, are provided.
Page II of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 1 of 45 In addition to these key objectives, it is Council’s intent Each of these instruments will prevail over the Plan Legislation Environmental Purpose of statute Obligations to ensure that all activities undertaken within these to the extent of any inconsistency. However, in the Element reserves preserve the environmental values of the application of these instruments, regard should be Great Sandy Straits wetland, including habitat, water had to achieving the outcomes of the Plan as far as Environment Threatened Flora/ This Act aims to protect the Any developments (‘actions’) that and sediment quality, amenity, and use. This wetland is practical. Protection and Fauna environment, particularly matters of may result in significant impacts on therefore treated as a ‘keystone’ environmental value Biodiversity Act Threatened National Environmental Significance. matters of National Environmental for the purposes of managing the Cooloola Coast. 1999 Ecological Significance should be referred 1.6 Review Communities to the Commonwealth Minister Management of coastal foreshores should, at all times, for the Environment. The Minister This Plan will be operational for a period of 10 Migratory Species seek to meet the above key objectives, as well as any determines if the activity it is a years, with a mid-term review following five years. specific guidelines or objectives for the management World Heritage controlled action (there will be The mid-term review will be undertaken by Council area and/or activity type. Areas development constraints placed on officers from the Planning and Development and Wetlands the project), not a controlled action, Infrastructure Services Directorates in consultation or can be carried out ‘in the manner 1.4 Use of this Plan with relevant community stakeholders. specified’. This Plan applies to all works undertaken in the The intent of the review will be to evaluate Matters of national environmental reserves identified in Maps 1 to 3, regardless of the achievement of the following: significance, include: person or entity undertaking the works. • key objectives • World Heritage properties • National heritage places The Plan applies to all works undertaken above the • management principles • Wetlands of international highest astronomical tide mark (HAT). For work below • management guidelines. importance (Ramsar wetlands) the HAT, there are multiple legislative obligations, Where necessary, the Plan and associated actions • Threatened species and ecological including Marine Park zoning (under the Marine Parks will be revised based on the findings of the review. communities Act 2004 and the Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning In addition to the five-year review, annual reviews will Plan 2017 (subordinate legislation)), Fish Habitat Areas • Migratory species be undertaken of actions delivered under the Plan and tidal works involving disturbance of marine plants • Commonwealth marine areas with the intention of updating monitoring activities (under the Fisheries Act 1994). • the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and to identify opportunities for new actions. • Nuclear actions (including Any works planned for areas below HAT should be uranium mining). referred to Environmental Planning for assistance. 1.7 Legislative context A water resource in relation to coal HAT maps can be found in Appendix E. seam gas development and large Legislation that applies to management and coal mining development. maintenance activities on the Cooloola Coast includes Gympie Region supports several 1.5 Relationship to other Plans the: threatened species, threatened • Environment Protection and Biodiversity ecological communities, migratory The Cooloola Coast Foreshore Reserves Management Conservation Act 1999 species and the Great Sandy Ramsar Plan is the principal management strategy for the Wetland. foreshore in the Gympie Region. Other documents • Fisheries Act 1994 within the structure established by this Plan are: • Nature Conservation Act 1992 • Gympie Planning Scheme and Planning Scheme • Vegetation Management Act 1999 Policies – a planning instrument applicable to • Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 development activities. • Marine Parks Act 2004 • Gympie Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy • Environmental Protection Act 1994 (CHAS) – a strategy currently under development • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 which considers the issues of storm surge and coastal erosion in association with rising sea level • Planning Act 2016. projections. The following table provides information about the acts and how they relate to the Cooloola Coast.
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Environmental Water The objective of the Act is to protect A person must not carry out any Nature Protected areas The object of the Act is the Any development of new Protection Act Soil Queensland’s environment while activity that causes, or is likely to Conservation Act (eg. National conservation of nature achieved by infrastructure that may disturb 1994 (Qld) allowing for development that cause, environmental harm, unless 1992 (Qld) Parks) an integrated and comprehensive protected animals, their breeding Air improves quality of life, both now the person has taken all reasonable Protected flora/ conservation strategy for the whole places, protected plants, or Flora and fauna and in the future, in a way that and practicable measures to prevent fauna of the State that involves, among protected areas, is subject to an maintains the ecological processes or minimise the harm (the general other things, the following - approval outside of the planning Animal breeding on which life depends (ecologically environmental duty). system. Exemptions and approved places (a) Gathering of information and sustainable development). The The executive officers of a community education etc. management plans are possible for Act provides various penalties for some activities that may impact on corporation must ensure that the (b) Dedication and declaration of offences in relation to activities that protected matters. corporation complies with this Act. protected areas harm or may potentially harm the If a corporation commits an offence To “take” includes to kill, injure or environment. (c) Management of protected areas against a provision of this Act, each harm the plant or animal. (d) Protection of native wildlife and Section 319 General Environmental of the executive officers of the A key obligation for Council is to its habitat Duty. corporation also commits an offence, avoid impacts on protected plants. Section 320 Duty to notify namely, the offence of failing to (e) Use of protected wildlife and The Queensland Government has environmental harm. ensure the corporation complies with areas to be ecologically sustainable established a process for proponents Section 436 Unlawful Environmental this Act. (f) Recognition of interest of to check the State Government’s Harm. A person must not carry out Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders Flora Survey Trigger map to in nature and their cooperative determine the likelihood of impacting Section 493 Executive officers must an environmentally relevant involvement in its conservation; and protected plants. When triggered, ensure corporation complies with activity unless the person has Council commissions flora surveys in Act. an environmental authority for (g) Cooperative involvement of land- the activity (or is acting under an holders. accordance with State guidelines, and Executive officer of a corporation, authority). In some cases, registration avoids or minimises impacts as far as means as a suitable operator is also possible. (i) a member of the governing body required. Council is also required to manage of the corporation; or Requirement to submit a notification potential impacts on animal breeding (ii) concerned with, or takes part in, for land that is or has been used places, including nesting birds, bats, the corporation’s management; for a notifiable activity or is or has and frogs. Tampering with animal whatever the person’s position is been contaminated by a hazardous breeding places is an offense unless called and whether or not the person contaminant. an approved Species Management Program is in place. Council has is a director of the corporation. A person must not contravene an an approved Species Management environmental authority. Program for Low Risk Impacts. Acid sulphate soils must be managed if disturbed to avoid acid leachate Marine Parks Act Marine The main purpose of this Act is to For any development impacting a being released to the environment. 2004 (Qld) environment provide for conservation of the Marine Park, an application for a Council authorised to decide marine environment. permission to enter or use a zone for on approval and conditions for a particular purpose must be sought. environmentally relevant activities Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning in accordance with the relevant Plan 2017 (Qld) - The purpose of decision-making criteria. this zoning plan is to provide for Council staff are authorised to the ecologically sustainable use enforce aspects of this Act. of Moreton Bay Marine Park and to protect its natural, recreational, cultural heritage and amenity values.
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Fisheries Act Fisheries The main purpose of this Act is to Protection of marine plants - Aboriginal Cultural heritage The main purpose of this Act is A person has a duty of care to take all 1994 (Qld) Fish Habitat Areas provide for the use, conservation and A person must not unlawfully Cultural Heritage to provide effective recognition, reasonable and practicable measures enhancement of the community’s Act 2003 (Qld) protection and conservation of to ensure the activity does not harm Fish habitat (a) remove, destroy or damage a fisheries resources and fish habitats. Aboriginal cultural heritage. Aboriginal cultural heritage. This duty including marine marine plant; or The Act provides for a duty of care of care will be deemed to be satisfied plants (b) cause a marine plant to be for all persons carrying out activities if the duty of care guidelines are removed, destroyed or damaged. Fish movement that may harm Aboriginal Cultural complied with. and waterway This includes pruning or trimming Heritage. In addition, the Act includes the barriers mangroves unless necessary for Section 23 Statutory Duty of Care. following obligations: utility maintenance (as below). • a person must not excavate, Protection and conservation of fish relocate or take Aboriginal cultural habitats – heritage if the person knows or A person must not unlawfully ought to know that it is Aboriginal perform or cause to be performed, cultural heritage; works or related activity in a declared • a person must not have in their fish habitat area. possession an object that is Accepted development requirements Aboriginal cultural heritage if set out the conditions by which work the person knows or ought to can be undertaken without approval. know that it is Aboriginal cultural heritage. Vegetation Vegetation This Act provides for the A development permit is required Management Act (Regional management and conservation of to clear regulated vegetation, unless A Cultural Heritage Management 1999 (Qld) Ecosystems) vegetation, and ensures clearing the clearing is considered acceptable Plan (CHMP) is required (under of vegetation does not cause development in accordance with Division 2) if the development land degradation. The framework Schedules in the Planning Regulation requires environmental authority for approvals for clearing native 2017. such as an EIS, licence, permit or approval. A CHMP may also be vegetation is set out in the Planning Assessable development that has prepared to meet duty of care Regulation 2017. a significant impact on regulated obligations for major projects. vegetation may be subject to The CHMP must be prepared in a requirement to deliver an accordance with Division 4. environmental offset to compensate for those impacts. Coastal Tidal water bodies This Act provides for the protection, The Act establishes the Coastal Protection and Stream banks conservation, rehabilitation and Management District (areas that are Management Act management of the coast, including considered to need protection or Vegetation 1995 (Qld) its resources and biological diversity. management) and Erosion Prone It also provides for a coordinated Areas (covering the land projected and integrated management and to be subject to sea level rise of 0.8 administrative framework for the m to 2100). Assessable development ecologically sustainable development within these areas triggers State of the coastal zone. assessment. Approval is required for all works (construction and repair) over tidal areas in the form of a Tidal Works Approval (formerly S 86 approval under former Harbours Act 1955).
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Planning Act All The purpose of this Act is to establish Local Governments are expected to This Section describes the four reserve types of the 2016 (Qld) an efficient, effective, transparent, advance the purpose of the Act. Cooloola Coast. Any works undertaken in these integrated, coordinated, and GRC has authority to make decisions reserves must be undertaken in accordance with the accountable system of land use on development permits in planning principles for each reserve. planning (planning), development accordance with the objectives of the assessment and related matters Act, and set decision-making criteria. that facilitates the achievement of Decision-making authority extends 2.1 Reserve classifications ecological sustainability. to works under planning scheme, All foreshore reserves of the Cooloola Coast The Act provides for the creation prescribed tidal works, operational have been allocated a reserve classification. State planning policies, regional works in a local government tidal This classification provides a definition of the area, plans, planning schemes, temporary area, environmentally relevant describes the characteristics, management objectives, local planning instruments, planning activities devolved to Council. scheme policies and a development challenges, and collaboration to address the challenges. assessment system. Section 2.3 outlines general management actions for all reserves. Each classification has been assigned a colour that will be used throughout this Plan and on any accompanying maps or documentation associated with this Plan. There are four classifications that have been used for foreshore reserves:
1. Conservation areas – Green
2. Drainage and other use areas – Yellow
3. Open park and intensive recreation areas – Blue
4. Special use areas – Purple
These classifications have been assigned to foreshore reserves according to their suitability for a range of uses and activities.
This Plan focuses on foreshore reserves throughout Tin Can Bay, Cooloola Cove, and Rainbow Beach. Various other reserves and properties that Council administers have also been classified. It should be noted that the specific classification may not apply entirely to these additional properties. Excluded from this are properties that have built structures such as libraries, halls, depots, community centres, leased areas and community housing.
The additional properties will continue to be maintained to the current standard, not to the standards outlined in the management guidelines of this Plan.
Page 8 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 9 of 45 2.2 Planning principles for management of reserves 2.2.2 Drainage and Other Use Areas Definition Characteristics 2.2.1 Conservation areas • Low capacity to sustain recreational use. • Low visitor use in the form of small group nature Drainage and other use areas are sections of the • Some environmental and conservation values. Definition studies, scientific research, bird watching and foreshore that have the primary function of the • Low to no capacity to sustain recreational use. conveyance of storm and natural waters. These areas Conservation areas are sections of the foreshore that informal bushwalking. • Low to no visitor use. vary from being heavily to sparsely vegetated. may contain threatened flora or fauna species, good Management Objectives The current drainage systems were designed to Management Objectives examples of remnant vegetation, a significant plant provide a mechanism to regulate the flow of the water community and/or an ecosystem on the foreshore, • Preserve and enhance environmental values. • Preserve environmental values. throughout the year. The number of drainage systems and have high natural aesthetic values. Walking trails, • Allow for natural fluctuations and changes to occur. on the coast has increased in response to urban • Facilitate its action as a drain according to flow paths and interpretive signage can be found in these • Facilitate the protection of the Great Sandy Straits development. requirements. areas. wetland. • Facilitate the protection of the Great Sandy Straits Characteristics • Provide habitat for flora and fauna. wetland. • Education and interpretation. • Provide habitat for flora and fauna. • High environmental and conservation values. • Informal nature-based recreation and relaxation. • Allow for natural fluctuations and changes to occur. • Highest potential to maintain the environment values present. • Prevent extension of residential gardens into reserves.
Management Challenge How we can work together to address this challenge Management Challenge How we can work together to address this challenge
Informal access – small water craft Investigate the formalisation of boat launching/retrieval locations. Clearance of drainage features Avoid changing or restricting natural drainage or tidal flow patterns in wetland areas; avoid changing or restricting natural drainage and tidal flow patterns in or Vehicle access Investigate the formalisation of vehicle access points and carparks. to/from marine plant areas.
Pedestrian access Investigate the formalisation of access to pedestrians via footpaths and Pedestrian access Pedestrian access is to be minimised. boardwalks. Parks maintenance Maintenance as required to keep drainage features clear and flowing. Parks maintenance Encourage the natural regeneration of understorey vegetation between individual trees within grassed areas; revegetate degraded areas within vegetation corridors Planting of non-native species Any planting of non-native species within these areas will be removed by Council. or highly fragmented areas; avoid mowing saltwater couch, areas immediately adjoining the foreshore, degraded areas and areas of active regeneration; Adjoining development pressure Amendments to the Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme to include encourage the growth of healthy saltwater couch (Sporobolus virginicus) and environmental considerations. other marine plant communities within grassed and/or degraded areas below the highest astronomical tide (HAT) and/or subject to saltwater influences; any Upgrades to existing drainage Investigate upgrades to drainage and other infrastructure that discharges into the clearing works are to be in accordance with Table 1. features marine environment in order to reduce water quality impacts.
Planting of non-native species Planting of non-native species on the foreshore will be removed by Council. Expansion of private gardens into Any encroachment from neighbouring properties or dumping of green waste into reserves these areas will be investigated by Council (e.g. expansion of gardens and mown Adjoining development pressure Amendments to the Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme to include area). environmental considerations. Requests for clearing Requests for clearing will be assessed as they arise. Requests for clearing Requests for clearing will be assessed as they arise. Clearing of vegetation without Reports of cleared or poisoned vegetation within these areas will be investigated. Clearing for views Clearing for views is not supported by Council. approval
Expansion of private gardens into Any encroachment from neighbouring properties or dumping of green waste into Standing water/mosquitoes Areas of standing water will be referred to Councils Environmental Health reserves these areas will be investigated by Council (e.g. expansion of gardens and mown Department for investigation. area). Fuel loads Fuel loads will be monitored for fire risk and addressed as required. Clearing of vegetation without Reports of cleared or poisoned vegetation within these areas will be investigated. approval
Page 10 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 11 of 45 2.2.3 Open Park and Intensive Recreation Areas 2.2.4 Special Use Area Definition Characteristics Definition • High vehicular and pedestrian access. • High visitor use. Special use areas are sections of the foreshore that • Conservation values are present on site. Open park and intensive recreation areas are sections have been developed for a specific purpose. Areas of the foreshore that contain areas of vegetation • Large groups and special events space available. • Activities allowed to occur on site are typically of conservation and natural aesthetic value can be for habitat and aesthetic value, areas of maintained • Open grassed areas with picnic facilities. infrastructure provision related. found bordering these areas. Services such as waste grass and open views. Some sections of these areas • Passive and high recreational use. • Activities are governed by specific designations management facilities, water treatment plants and have also been developed as central nodes for more under the Land Act 1994. • Vegetation protecting the shoreline. sewage treatment plants can be found in these intensive recreational use. Walking and cycle paths, sections of the foreshore. Management Objectives public amenities, water supply, playgrounds, shelters, Management Objectives seats, tables, barbecues, club houses, low impact • Management in accordance with the reserve • Preserve existing environmental values. vessel launch areas, boat ramps and beach access can designation under the Land Act 1994. • Facilitate the protection of the Great Sandy Straits be found in these sections of the foreshore. • To facilitate the protection of the Great Sandy wetland. Characteristics Straits wetland. • Provide a space suitable for a variety of activities • To provide habitat for flora and fauna. • Some environmental values. including passive recreation, sporting facilities, formal and informal picnicking facilities and play • To allow for natural fluctuations and changes to • High level of maintenance required to meet equipment. occur. desired standards of delivery. • Allow for natural fluctuations and changes to occur.
Management Challenge How we can work together to address this challenge Management Challenge How we can work together to address this challenge
Intensive recreational use Avoid any activities that will fragment or destroy existing vegetation corridors Increase in scale and intensity of Environmental values are to be given a high priority when considering use along the foreshore. existing use change.
Informal access – small water craft Investigate the formalisation of boat launching/retrieval locations; closure of Adjoining development pressure Amendments to the Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme to include some. environmental considerations.
Vehicle access Investigate the formalisation of vehicle access points and carparks. Planting of non-native species Any planting of non-native species within a reserve will be removed.
Parks maintenance Avoid any activities that will fragment or destroy existing vegetation corridors Minimise impact of use on Best practice environmental management techniques are to be adopted in order along the foreshore. adjoining wetland to minimise impacts.
Planting of non-native species Any planting of non-native species within these areas will be removed by Council. Pressure from existing use Avoid discharge of chemicals or contaminants to marine environments.
Adjoining development pressure Amendments to the Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme to include Environmental degradation Rehabilitate any areas of existing environmental degradation, including issues of environmental considerations. water pollution, leaching of nutrients, and weed infestation.
Requests for clearing Requests for clearing will be assessed as they arise. Weeds Control weeds to prevent their escape into the surrounding natural areas
Clearing for views Clearing for views is not supported by Council.
Expansion of private gardens into Any encroachment from neighbouring properties or dumping of green waste into reserves these areas will be investigated by Council (e.g. expansion of gardens and mown area).
Clearing of vegetation without Reports of cleared or poisoned vegetation within these areas will be investigated. approval
Page 12 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 13 of 45 2.3 Management Actions for all Reserve Types In addition to the management objectives listed under each reserve type, below is a table noting management actions applicable when undertaking works on all foreshore reserves.
General Management Actions for all Reserves
Enhance habitat values for arboreal species, including through revegetation of degraded or fragmented corridors and installation of nest boxes.
Clean up marine debris and other beach rubbish.
Prior to commencement of any intrusive works (e.g. excavation) or removal of relics (including old abandoned boats), seek advice from the Environmental Planning Section.
In the event that any cultural heritage items are uncovered during work, stop works and inform the Environmental Planning Section.
Control feral animals and uncontained pet animals.
Avoid disturbing roosting or foraging shorebirds where possible, especially during October to May, including through temporary closure of important areas, as advised by Environment Planning Section.
Clearing of vegetation on the foreshore may require approvals or compliance with self-assessable codes. Table 1 provides an indication of the requirements for different clearing activities to be undertaken on Cooloola Coast foreshore reserves. Self-assessable codes are set by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).
Private (i.e. non-Council) activities that impact on public access to and enjoyment of the coast will not be accepted.
Any works that are ‘tidal works’ or may interfere with coastal dunes must only be undertaken under an approval in accordance with the Planning Act and Coastal Act unless subject to an exemption (e.g. emergency works).
All works in FHA (fish habitat areas), national park, marine park, HES (high ecological significance) wetlands or Ramsar wetland to be in accordance with Table 1.
Avoid erection of barriers in tidal waterways except where in accordance with the Accepted Development Requirements for Operational Work that is constructing or raising waterway barrier works.
Any clearing works are to be in accordance with Table 1.
Works within protected areas of the Great Sandy Straits wetlands may require approval. Table 1 provides an indication of the different work requirements to be undertaken on the Cooloola Coast foreshore reserves.
Map One
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3.0 Environmental Values of the Foreshore Reserves RE Protected Biodiversity Supported values status status
12.1.1 Of Endangered Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs): This RE has been included in the listing of 3.1 Reserve governance 3.3 Coastal regional ecosystem Concern the EPBC Act TEC ‘Casuarina glauca (Swamp Oak) Coastal Floodplain Forest in Qld The State Coastal Management Plan has been types and NSW’. A determination on the listing of this community is currently pending. developed to provide guidance to management of Marine plants The foreshore reserves of Tin Can Bay support the : Supports marine plants growing on or adjacent to tidal lands, coastal land and resources within Queensland. including C. glauca, Melaleuca quinquenervia and associated taxa. following marine/coastal REs: This Plan includes policies on coastal landforms and Coastal protection: Helps protect the foreshore and upper coastal zone from • RE 12.1.1 Casuarina glauca +/- mangrove processes, nature conservation, public access, and waves, floods and storm surge. woodlands on margins of Quaternary estuarine cultural heritage. Water quality: Slows and retains water and filters pollutants, sediments and nutrients. deposits Biodiversity: Provides coastal wetland habitat. Under the Land Acts, reserve land is required to be • RE 12.1.2 Saltpan vegetation comprising managed in accordance with the purpose for which Sporobolus virginicus grassland and samphire 12.1.2 Least No concern TECs: This RE is part of the ‘Subtropical and Temperate Saltmarsh’ TEC which is the land was reserved. For land primarily reserved herbland Concern at present listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. for community purposes, secondary uses must be Marine plants • RE 12.1.3 Mangrove shrubland to low closed forest : Supports marine plants growing on or adjacent to tidal lands, consistent with the Department for Natural Resources Sporobolus virginicus on marine clay plains and estuaries including , sedgelands and associated taxa. & Mines policy for Secondary Use of Trust Land Coastal protection: Helps protect the foreshore and upper coastal zone from • RE 12.2.7 Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest on (PUX/901/209). waves, floods and storm surge. sand plains. Water quality: Slows and retains water and filters pollutants, sediments and nutrients. The Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves These communities are all protected under the Biodiversity: Provides coastal wetland and important habitat for a variety of Management Plan has been prepared in accordance Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld) (VM Act) in significant taxa, including migratory waders. with the State Coastal Management Plan and the regard to both a protection listing and biodiversity Fisheries value: A high diversity of fish and benthic fauna use saltmarsh during their Secondary Use of Trust Land Policy. To the extent of status. These communities also support environmental lifecycle for food, shelter, spawning, nursery areas and refuge from predators. any inconsistency, the Coastal Management Plan and values that may be protected under the Fisheries Recreational value Secondary Use of Trust Land Policy will prevail. : Saltmarsh can provide sites for recreational fishing, bird- Act 1994 (Qld) and the Environment Protection and watching and visual amenity. Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). Carbon sequestration: Sequesters and stores blue carbon. These values are described in the table below. 3.2 Great Sandy Strait Wetlands 12.1.3 Least No concern TECs: n/a. and tidal waterways Concern at present Marine plants: Supports marine plants growing on or adjacent to tidal lands, including mangrove taxa Avicennia marina subsp. australasica, Aegiceras The Great Sandy Strait wetland and associated tidal corniculatum, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora stylosa and waterways are subject to pressures from recreational Excoecaria agallocha. and commercial vessel operators. Vessels currently Coastal protection: Helps protect the foreshore and coastal zone from waves, moor at the Tin Can Bay state boat harbour or within floods and storm surge. Tin Can Inlet itself, and are regularly involved in Water quality: Slows and retains water and filters pollutants, sediments and nutrients. fishing and recreational activities in the area. Council Biodiversity infrastructure also discharges into the wetland, : Provides coastal wetland and important habitat for a variety of significant taxa, including migratory waders. including the waste water treatment plants at Tin Can Fisheries value Bay, Cooloola Cove and Inskip, and various stormwater : A high diversity of fish and benthic fauna use mangroves during their lifecycle for food, shelter, spawning, nursery areas and refuge from predators. drainage features. Recreational value: Mangroves can provide sites for recreational fishing, bird- watching and visual amenity. Carbon sequestration: Sequesters and stores blue carbon.
12.2.7 Least Of Concern TECs: n/a. Concern Marine plants: Supports marine plants growing on or adjacent to tidal lands, including Melaleuca quinquenervia, Casuarina glauca and associated taxa. Coastal protection: Helps protect the upper coastal zone from floods Water quality: Slows and retains water and filters pollutants, sediments and nutrients. Biodiversity: Provides wetland habitat.
Page 18 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 19 of 45 3.4 Priority local species Vegetation communities are protected under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Vegetation Act). ciples and guidelines The Gympie Region is home to a variety of unique This includes marine and non-marine vegetation species. Council has identified 24 of these iconic plants communities, but does not include vegetation patches and animals (12 of each) to be named our Priority not considered to be ‘remnant vegetation’. Some • location of all new structures with consideration of Local Species. 4.1 Overview vegetation communities are also considered to be local site factors The unique environment that makes up the region’s This section presents the applicable Management Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) under • formalisation and mapping of vehicle access foreshore reserves provides habitat for a number of EPBC Act Principles and Guidelines for activities in all foreshore the . Clearing of vegetation, therefore, may points, including for emergencies these, most notably: trigger one or more of these Acts, depending on the reserves. • existing public use of the land • Broad-leafed Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) nature of the vegetation and clearing activities. These guidelines should be followed at all times when • local environmental values. Livistona australis • Cabbage Tree Palm ( ) Marine plants and coastal vegetation are currently conducting activities within the foreshore reserves • Wallum Sun Orchid (Thelmitra purpurata) under pressure from ongoing recreational and as well as being used when developing specific • Swamp Grasstree (Xanthorrhea fulva) maintenance activities. Much of the area of the management plans for foreshore units and parks 4.2 Management guidelines (Development Plans and Revitalisation Plans). • Blue Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) foreshore reserves have been cleared and converted In addition to the management challenges and the to parkland and are regularly mowed, preventing the • Ornate Rainbowfish Rhadinocentrus( ornatus). ways in which we will collaboratively address them, reestablishment of individual plants and communities. 4.1.1 Development Plans mentioned under the reserve types, below are general Presence of these species within the foreshore In addition, access to the foreshore through remnant management and maintenance guidelines to be Development Plans indicate the actions expected for reserves indicates good ecosystem health and overall communities is leading to the degradation of some applied across all reserve classifications. positive biodiversity values. Council will work to intertidal areas and the spread of weeds. particular park areas based on local management improve habitat along the foreshore for these priority issues. These are used as instruments for preliminary local species. planning, prior to the development of more 4.2.1 Flora and Fauna 3.7 Cultural heritage detailed actions, schedules and budgets as part of The Cooloola Coast contains a diverse range of natural Revitalisation Plans. It is well known that the coastal foreshore was a very environments that support a wide variety of flora and 3.5 Coastal fauna important resource area for indigenous communities. fauna. It is important to preserve and enhance the Animals that occur on the coast include fish and foreshore to maintain the existing biodiversity values. While there are no known cultural heritage items listed 4.1.2 Revitalisation Plans marine megafauna (e.g. dolphins, dugongs and under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 or Aboriginal Revitalisation Plans provide guidance on the extent turtles), migratory and resident birds, and coastal Council will achieve this by: Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (the Heritage Acts) on and type of development and required facilities for a mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Threatened and • encouraging saltwater couch (Sporobolus Cooloola Coast foreshore reserves, there is potential particular reserve. Revitalisation Plans should include migratory species are protected under the EPBC Act virginicus) to grow for unmapped cultural heritage items to be uncovered both design guidelines for new infrastructure and while all species (except pest species) are protected • installing nest boxes to enhance habitat for during works in the area. sufficient information to provide medium-to-long- under the Nature Conservation Act. arboreal species term guidance to both Council and the community in The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 carries a regards to development of the reserves. • not fragmenting or destroying existing vegetation duty of care towards cultural heritage, prior to works corridors that exist in these areas of the foreshore 3.6 Coastal flora being undertaken on a site within the foreshore, the Actions identified in Revitalisation Plans should be • investigate encroachment from neighbouring following checks must be taken: Marine plants are plants that grow on or adjacent to clearly defined with individual budgets in order to properties into the foreshore reserves (this includes tidal land and therefore are typically adapted to tidal • Check for registered cultural heritage sites. allow inclusion within a ten-year implementation expanding gardens, planting of species on the and saline conditions. Examples include mangroves, • Recognise that not all cultural heritage sites are plan. Where appropriate, Council will seek external foreshore, etc) saltwater couch, seagrass, algae, samphire, and funding and/or partnership arrangements with local registered as they may involve secret or sacred • protecting, regenerating and restoring vegetation some melaleuca and casuarina species. Clearing and community groups. places. as required disturbance of marine plants, including removal of • Ascertain what category your works are under the When developing any specific plan under the Cooloola dead/fallen plants, is regulated under the Fisheries • rehabilitating areas of bare earth with local species duty of care guidelines. Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan, the Act 1994. Other, non-tidal plants are protected under • restricting mower access to sensitive foreshore following should be considered: the Nature Conservation Act 1992 based on their • Make sure works are subject to an incidental finds areas (such as foreshore banks) procedure, where if a suspected cultural heritage threatened status. • consistency with the Plan and other relevant • revegetating disturbed areas required for shoreline item is discovered, work stops immediately and Council plans, strategies and instruments protection the Environmental Planning section of Council is • coastal hazards (storm surge, erosion) and the • revegetating to create vegetative buffers where informed. impacts of a rising sea level needed 4.0 Management prin- • approval requirements for structures and works
Page 20 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 21 of 45 • developing a management plan for the protection 4.2.3 Dead plant material 4.2.5 Vegetation removal for park of conservation areas on site • Some dead plant material is considered marine maintenance • preserving shoreline vegetation deadwood and therefore important for fish habitat. Schedule 21 of the Planning Regulation 2017 (PR) • rehabilitating sites following any facility closures in This material will not be removed unless it is a identifies activities that are exempt from requiring special use areas safety issue. development approval from the DILGP under the • ensuring public areas are kept free from fallen • Material not considered important for fish habitat Planning Act 2016 and Vegetation Management Act branches and palm fronds for safety can be removed (as long as it is playing no role in 1999. • incorporating some existing individual trees into the marine environment). Schedule 21, Part 2, Item 6(c)(i) of the PR allows groups and mowing around the groups. • Above the HAT, dead plant material can be clearing necessary for essential management. • encouraging natural regeneration of understorey removed and dead tree stumps can be removed. species within these groups to form ‘clumps’ of • Above the HAT, dead trees can be removed, but Essential management is defined in Schedule 24 of the native vegetation not for commercial gain. PR and includes clearing native vegetation necessary to maintain infrastructure. A park is not necessarily • rehabilitating bare areas of disturbed/thin grass • Standing trees can be removed under accepted infrastructure. Elements of the park such as play cover with appropriate grass species development when posing a safety risk. equipment, amenities blocks, shelter sheds, pathways, • retaining vegetation in defined areas to maintain • Fallen trees can only be removed under an exempt fences are infrastructure. A cleared open area is not the ‘natural’ setting and provide coastline purpose such as imminent safety risk under necessarily infrastructure. protection functions to support areas of HAT. essential management. Planting on the foreshore is not permitted unless 4.2.6 Maintained grassed areas approved by Council. If approved, the use of local 4.2.4 Vegetation management for native species is required. fire maintenance Maintained grassed areas will receive a service level at an appropriate frequency to ensure that aesthetics are Many of the ecosystems on the Cooloola Coast generally not unfavourably impacted on. 4.2.2 Clearing of vegetation for are dependent on fire for their survival. Altered fire safety and maintenance regimes can have negative impacts on biodiversity. Council will seek to achieve this by: It is important to ensure that fire planned for the • an intervention height (seed/leaf) between 100- • In areas around existing lawful structures, HAT areas of the foreshore is for the enhancement 150mm, depending upon the growing season with the accepted development requirements for of biodiversity and to reduce the risk of wildfire to other high priority park areas operational work that is the removal, destruction or neighbouring properties. damage of marine plants can be used. • generally mowing the area at a blade height of 50mm. • Risk assessment and any other assessments Council will seek to achieve this by: required are undertaken by Council. • monitoring fuel loads and fire risks along the • Council is required to notify the Department of foreshore 4.2.7 Native orchids Agriculture and Fisheries during the process if • seeking approval from the state government The foreshore is habitat for a variety of native orchids removing vegetation under this exemption before a controlled burn is initiated in areas of HAT including but not limited to Microtis sp. (onion (13 35 23). • establishing a necessary fire management line if orchids), Phaius sp. (swamp orchids), Pterostylis sp. ‘Maintenance’ is defined as ‘works on and around the maximum width of the clearing for the fire (greenhoods), Geodorum sp. (nodding orchids), an existing lawful structure, including reconstruction management line is 10 metres Cryptostylis sp. (tongue orchids) and Caladenia sp. and replacement within and up to the extent of • by fire under theFire and Rescue Services Act 1990 (spider orchids). the original footprint to maintain its safe, effective to reduce hazardous fuel loads Many of these species die down to tubers and are functioning and ongoing use and operation’. • establishing or maintaining a necessary firebreak only visible when flowering. These beautiful delicate Maintenance does not include the following: to protect infrastructure other than a fence, road plants are adored by many people in the community. • work to extend the existing lawful work beyond the or vehicular track if the maximum width of the Allowing them to flower and seed is important for original footprint in any dimension firebreak is equivalent to 1.5 times the height of biodiversity and allows their beauty to be enjoyed by the tallest vegetation adjacent to the infrastructure, • construction of new work residents and tourists. or 20 metres, whichever is greater. • disturbance of marine plants for aesthetic purposes Council will seek to achieve this by not mowing areas • beach replenishment work. where these orchids are growing (generally between August- October) to allow them to flower and seed.
Page 22 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 23 of 45 4.2.8 Weed removal Five cottonwoods were planted without permission When undertaking works within foreshore reserves, Table 1 gives an indication as to whether the work requires over eleven years ago in an area mapped as approval or can be done as accepted development. Weeds have a negative impact on biodiversity by RE12.2.7/12.2.11 (70/30) – Melaleuca quinquenervia threatening native flora and destroying habitat for Table 1 - Requirements for different clearing activities on Cooloola Coast foreshore reserves open forest on sand plains/Corymbia tessellaris +/- native fauna. Weed removal is to commence in Eucalyptus tereticornis, C. intermedia and Livistona Approval requirement areas that are relatively weed free; with areas of high decora woodland on beach ridges. The site is located Self- Approval conservation value being targeted first. approximately 500 metres from Crab Creek Park on Clearing activity Exempt assessable required Notes Council will seek to achieve this by: Toolara Road. Any of the following: Must comply with ‘Accepted • removing declared weeds The planted cottonwoods are stunted, scraggly and Clearing of marine plants or works within development requirements for operational work that is the • developing adaptive weed management plans for unkempt in appearance which indicates that the 1m of an existing lawful structure removal, destruction or damage specific sites. position on the foreshore they are planted is not Clearing of marine plants within a drain of marine plants’ natural or appropriate for their habitat requirements. (lined or unlined) Healthy cottonwoods frequently form impenetrable Clearing within 10m of a public boat 4.2.9 Case Study: Cottonwoods thickets covering a large area. They are fast growing ramp (Hibiscus tiliaceus) evergreen trees, with dark green leaves flowering Clearing within 3m of a Council vehicle – Tin Can Bay profusely in the summer months. Council is currently access path pruning these trees as part of park maintenance, Cottonwoods (H. tiliaceus) are a large spreading tree Any of the following: Must comply with ‘Accepted however requests have been received from the development requirements for to ten metres. They can be found growing along Beach cleaning and removal of trees on community to remove these five cottonwoods. operational work that is the littoral edges of mangroves, tidal streams, sheltered tidal land for public access and safety removal, destruction or damage estuaries and dunes. They grow naturally in regional Rehabilitation projects using marine of marine plants’ ecosystem (RE) 12.3.1 – mangrove shrubland to low plants and/or in a FHA closed forest on marine clay plains and estuaries. Clearing required because of an Must comply with ‘Accepted emergency endangering: development requirements for The life or health of a person operational work that is the The structural safety of a building, or removal, destruction or damage of marine plants’ The operation or safety of community infrastructure Clearing under an existing approval or Must comply with provisions of community infrastructure declaration approval and/or declaration Removal of declared weeds Unless below HAT Removal of non-declared weeds Clearing to promote coastal views Clearing for views is unlikely to be approved by State Government without significant offset Burning of marine plants or coastal vegetation Construction works within the Great Approvals under various Acts Sandy Marine Park or National Park, including Planning Act, Marine within 200m of HES wetlands, and/or Park Act, Nature Conservation within the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site Act, EP Act and/or EPBC Act Any works not listed above, including Approvals under Planning Act removal of dead vegetation (other than and Fisheries Act for public access or safety)
Where work is ‘self-assessable’, notification is still required.
Page 24 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 25 of 45 4.3 Infrastructure improvements Signs – interpretive and directional signage will be reviewed in-line with this Plan. 5.0 Monitoring and review The following principles apply in regards to infrastructure improvements for foreshore reserves Viewing nodes and board walks – where appropriate, In order to understand the effectiveness of the An initial set of four areas will be monitored, with across all reserve classifications: viewing nodes and boardwalks will be developed for the foreshore. Plan in achieving strategic outcomes for foreshore additional areas introduced throughout the life of the Car parks – no new car park will be developed until reserves, environmental monitoring will be undertaken Plan. These initial areas are: a feasibility study has been conducted to determine Vehicle exclusion methods – where there is evidence throughout the life of the Plan. This monitoring will be • Les Lee Park Norman Point of vehicle damage to the foreshore outside of undertaken annually, with more frequent monitoring need and appropriate location. • William Dodt Park formalised access tracks and boat ramps, Council undertaken if deemed necessary. Beach access – no new beach access points will be will install vehicle exclusion measures. These include • Kindy Beach created. Existing points will be formalised or closed in the use of kerb and channel, planted garden beds, The intention of monitoring will be to determine: • Foreshore between Trevally and Mitchell streets, order to manage erosion of dunes/banks. temporary fencing and bollards. Depending on the • Environmental condition of monitoring areas, Tin Can Bay. including any changes since last monitored Bird hides - no bird hides will be installed until a nature of damage, entire areas may be closed for feasibility study has been conducted to determine regeneration. The duration of closure periods will be • Consistency of management and use of the area need and appropriate location. determined by the extent of damage and the time with the requirements of Section 2 of the Plan required for natural regeneration. • Evidence of failed management actions or Bridges – where appropriate, existing bridges over improvements required for monitoring areas drains and gullies will be replaced with alternative All of the above are subject to funding. • Monitoring will be undertaken by Council officers crossing structures, or in some instances, completely Abandoned boats, trailers and vehicles – relevant from the Planning and Development Directorate. removed. authorities will be contacted regarding abandoned Paths – all widening or construction of new paths boats, trailers, and/or vehicles for investigation. will be undertaken in accordance with Austroads – Obsolete or unlawful structures – will be investigated Pedestrian and Cyclists Paths. and reported to the relevant authority.
Page 26 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 27 of 45 Action Performance Indicator Responsibility Timeframe Cost Funding 6.0 Actions Source 1.9 Investigate formalisation Existing locations identified Planning and High Staff Time Rates revenue of footpaths and boardwalks. and feasibility study Development, priority Action plan undertaken for formalisation. Infrastructure (1-3 years) Services Action Performance Indicator Responsibility Timeframe Cost Funding Source 1.10 Investigate upgrades Existing drainage point Planning and High Staff Time Rates revenue to drainage and other identified and adaptation Development, priority 1.1 Mid-term review. Ensure that the key Planning and 5 Years - Staff Time General infrastructure that discharges options explored. Infrastructure (1-3 years) objectives and management Development 2023 revenue into the marine environment Services principles/guidelines of the in order to reduce water plan are being met. quality impacts. 1.2 Annual reviews. Ensure reserves are being Planning and Annually Staff Time Rates revenue 1.11 Investigate closure of Identify both areas and Planning and High Staff Time Rates revenue utilised for their intended Development for life of areas of the foreshore at times times for migratory species; Development priority use and that environmental plan of roosting and migration. prepare plan for area (1-3 years) values have remained the exclusion. same or improved since the last review. 1.12 Investigate encroachment Investigate encroachments Planning and As need Staff Time Rates revenue onto the foreshore of as they are brought to Development, arises 1.3 Monitoring - Les Lee Park. Determine changes to Planning and Every six Staff Time Rates revenue neighbouring properties. Council’s attention. Infrastructure environmental condition; Development months for Services consistency of management; life of plan 1.13 Create management Management/revitalisation Planning and As need As allocated Rates revenue use of the area; and evidence Annually of failed management and/or revitalisation plans for plan created and Development, arises by the actions. specific areas within foreshore implemented. Infrastructure budget reserves. Services 1.4 Monitoring - William Dodt Determine changes to Planning and Every six Staff Time Rates revenue Park. environmental condition; Development months for 1.14 Develop adaptive weed Weed management plan Planning and As need Staff Time Rates revenue consistency of management; life of plan management plans for created and implemented. Development, arises use of the area; and evidence specific areas within foreshore Infrastructure of failed management reserves. Services actions. 1.15 Upgrade vegetation Old signs replaced. Planning and High $15,000 Environment 1.5 Monitoring - Kindy Beach. Determine changes to Planning and Every six Staff Time Rates revenue signage on the foreshore in Development priority Levy environmental condition; Development months for line with new signage design. (1-3 years) consistency of management; life of plan Include priority local species use of the area; and evidence where possible. of failed management 1.16 Areas of the foreshore Healthy population of native Planning and Annually Staff Time Rates revenue actions. inspected for flowering orchids thriving on the Development for life of 1.6 Monitoring - foreshore Determine changes to Planning and Every six Staff Time Rates revenue orchids. Discussions held with foreshore. plan between Trevally Street and environmental condition; Development months for Infrastructure Services staff. If Mitchell Street. consistency of management; life of plan decision is made to not mow use of the area; and evidence certain areas appropriate, of failed management media will be prepared and actions. released to the public. 1.7 Investigate formalisation Existing locations identified Planning and High Staff Time Rates revenue 1.17 Areas of the foreshore Appropriately vegetated Planning and As need Staff Time Rates revenue of boat launching and and feasibility study Development, priority that become damaged (such foreshore with no increase Development, arises retrieval locations. undertaken for formalisation. Infrastructure (1-3 years) as bare earth) shall be closed in erosion from the 2018 Infrastructure Services for regeneration, following baseline. Services inspection and discussions 1.8 Investigate formalisation Existing locations identified Planning and High Staff Time Rates revenue with relevant Council staff. of vehicle access points and and feasibility study Development, priority carparks. undertaken for formalisation. Infrastructure (1-3 years) Services
Page 28 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 29 of 45 Action Performance Indicator Responsibility Timeframe Cost Funding Source 7.0 Glossary 1.18 Weed removal on the Decrease in the weed Planning and As need To be Environment foreshore proposed by local populations on the foreshore Development, arises determined Levy or community groups will be from the 2018 baseline. Infrastructure external grant Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS) Great Sandy Strait assessed and supported on a Services A document under development by Council which The Great Sandy Strait is a 70km Australian sand case by case basis. will ensure that there is a plan in place to adapt to passage estuary separating mainland Queensland, the changes impacting the coast as a result of climate from World Heritage listed Fraser Island. It is made 1.19 Promote priority local Multi-media information Planning and High As allocated Environment species known on the disseminated. Community Development priority by the Levy change. up of a complex landscape of mangroves, sandbanks, intertidal sand, mud islands, salt marshes and seagrass Cooloola Coast. engagement activities (1-3 years) budget Coastal Management Plan undertaken. beds. The Strait is an important habitat for breeding The Coastal Management Plan commenced on fish, crustaceans, dugongs, dolphins and marine 18 March 2014. It is made under the Coastal Protection turtles. The strait extends north from Tin Can Bay to and Management Act 1995. The Coastal Management Hervey Bay. It covers an area of 932km2. Plan provides non-regulatory policy guidance to coastal land managers. Key management policies dealt Highest astronomical tide with by the plan include: (HAT) The HAT is the highest level of the tide that can • maintaining coastal landforms and physical coastal be predicted to occur under average meteorological processes conditions and under any combination of astronomical conditions. • conserving nature • maintaining access to coastal resources for High environmental significance indigenous cultural activities (HES) If something is said to be of ‘high environmental • maintaining or enhancing public access significance’ its environmental values are considered to be important, notable, or of consequence, having • management planning regard to its context or intensity. • knowledge sharing and community engagement. High ecological value The Coastal Management Plan is non-regulatory, (HEV) The worth attributed to an organism, ecosystem, and the policies contained in the plan provide best product, resource or activity, in terms of benefits to practice coastal management guidance only. the environment. Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia Keystone Environmental Value (DIWA) The Directory of Important Wetlands in A keystone environmental value is a value that has Australia was first published in 1993. The Directory a disproportionately large effect on its environment identifies nationally important wetlands and provides a relative to its abundance. These values play a critical substantial knowledge base of what defines wetlands, role in maintaining the structure of ecological their variety, and the many Flora and Fauna species that communities. depend on them. In addition, it contains information about their social and cultural values and some of the Ramsar Wetland ecosystem services and benefits they provide. A Ramsar Wetland is a wetland site designated of international importance under the Ramsar Environmental Value Convention. The Convention on Wetlands, (known A quality or physical characteristic of the environment as the Ramsar Convention) is an intergovernmental that is conducive to ecological health or public environmental treaty established in 1971 by UNESCO, amenity or safety. and came into force in 1975. Fish habitat area Remnant vegetation Declared fish habitat areas (FHA) protect key fish Remnant vegetation is vegetation that is: habitats that are critical for local fish populations and • an endangered regional ecosystem, or the sustainability of fish stocks. They are protected from physical disturbance associated with coastal • an of concern regional ecosystem, or development, while still allowing legal fishing. • a least concern regional ecosystem.
Page 30 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 31 of 45 Regional ecosystems A regional ecosystem is a vegetation community 8.0 Appendices in a bioregion that is associated with a specific combination of geology, landform and soil. There are several areas of the foreshore that contain mapped A. Foreshore Declaration A – Foreshore Proclamation remnant vegetation; this includes ‘least concern’ B. Foreshore Declaration B – Bathing Reserve Order and ‘of concern’ regional ecosystems. Many of these areas are mapped as essential habitat for threatened C. Environmental Context A - Ramsar Wetland species. D. Environmental Context B – Threatened Species Threatened ecological community E. HAT Maps (TEC) Threatened ecological community is a term used for ecosystems that are in danger of being lost due to some threatening process.
Threatened species Threatened species are flora or fauna that are at risk of extinction. Different categories are allocated based on degree of risk, trends in population size, health and distribution. The Nature Conservation Act uses the following categories: • extinct in the wild • endangered • vulnerable • near threatened (if the species is at risk of becoming threatened in the near future).
Refer to Appendix D for threatened species information.
Page 32 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 33 of 45 Appendix A - foreshore declaration A - foreshore proclamation
By the Honourable Sir Charles Gray Wanstall, Chief Now, therefore, I, Sir Charles Gray Wanstall, the Justice of the State of Queensland, Deputy for and Deputy Governor aforesaid, acting by and with the on behalf of His Excellency Commodore Sir James advice of the Executive Council, and in pursuance of Maxwell Ramsay, Knight Commander of the Most the powers and authorities vested in me by the said Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint Act, do hereby George, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of (a) rescind the said proclamation; and the British Empire, upon whom has been conferred (b) place the part of the foreshores of the Shire the Decoration of the Distinguished Service Cross, and of Widgee, as shown on the plan signed for Commodore in the Royal Australian Navy (Retired), identification by the Clerk of the Executive Governor in and over the State of Queensland and its Council and bearing Surveyor-General’s Dependencies in the Commonwealth of Australia. catalogue number L.G. 9 copies whereof signed [L.S.] for identification are deposited at the office C.G. WANSTALL, Deputy Governor. of the Director of Local Government for the State of Queensland and at the public office of WHEREAS by the Local Government Act 1936-1978 the Council of the Shire of Widgee, under the it is amongst other things enacted that the Governor management and control of the Council of the in Council may from time to time, by Proclamation, Shire of Widgee. place under the management and control of a Local Authority any reserve, cemetery, park, foreshore, Given under my Hand and Seal at Government House, or commonage: And whereas it is further provided Brisbane, this tenth day of May in the year of our Lord that the Governor in Council may, by another one thousand nine hundred and seventy-nine, and in Proclamation or Order in Council, amend or rescind the twenty-eighth year of Her Majesty’s reign. any Proclamation or Order in Council made under the By Command, R.J. HINZE said Act: God Save the Queen! Gov. Gaz, 12 May, 1979, page 291. And whereas by a Proclamation made on the 16th February, 1939 and published in the Gazette on the 18th February, 1939, hereinafter referred to as “the said proclamation”,that part of the foreshores of the Shire of Widgee described in the Schedule thereto was placed under the management and control of the Council of the Shire of Widgee:
Page 34 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 35 of 45 Appendix B - foreshore declaration B - bathing reserve order
ORDER IN COUNCIL
At the Executive Buildings, Brisbane, the twenty-third day of April, 1970.
Present: The Deputy Governor, for and on behalf of His Excellency the Governor, in Council
WHEREAS by the Local Government Act 1936-1969 it is amongst other things enacted that the Governor in Council may from time to time by Order in Council - (i) Declare as a bathing reserve- (a) Any part of the sea-shore; (b) Land under the sea adjacent to such part of the sea-shore and seawards thereof for a distance not exceeding one-half mile beyond low-water mark at ordinary spring tides; and (c) The sea above any such part of the sea-shore and any such land; and (ii) Place such bathing reserve under the management and control of the Local Authority: And whereas it is expedient to- (i) Declare as a bathing reserve that part of the sea-shore and the land under the sea described in the Schedule hereto together with the sea above such part of the sea-shore and the land so described; and (ii) Place such bathing reserve under the management and control of the Council of the Shire of Widgee: Now, therefore, the Deputy Governor, for and on behalf of His Excellency the Governor, acting by and with the advice of the Executive Council, and in pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government Act 1936-1969, doth hereby- (i) Declare as a bathing reserve- (a) The part of the sea-shore and the land under the sea described in the Schedule hereto; and (b) The sea above such part of the sea-shore and the land described in the said Schedule; and (ii) Place the bathing reserve declared in the Schedule hereto under the management and control of the Council of the Shire of Widgee. And the Honourable the Minister for Local Government and Electricity is to give the necessary directions herein accordingly.
KEITH SPANN, Acting Clerk of the Council.
THE SCHEDULE RAINBOW BEACH Commencing at Station 8 on plan of survey R.B. 969.1. being a point near high-water mark of the south Pacific Ocean bearing 38 degrees 51 minutes eleven chains six and three-lengths links from permanent Survey mark number 20391, and bounded thence by a line bearing 43 degrees 7 minutes crossing low-water mark and extending seawards for a distance of forty chains therefrom, by the line bearing 133 degrees 7 minutes about 33 chains 50 links and 223 degrees 7 minutes to the east corner of the area surrendered from Dredging Lease 41 as shown on plan GyM.77 deposited in the Office of the Mines Department, by lines bearing 240 degrees 50 minutes 1 chain 50 links, 330 degrees 50 minutes 3 chains sixteen and 6 tenths links, 308 degrees 35 minutes 10 chains 35 and 6 lengths links, 293 degrees 25 minutes 2 chains 99 and 3 tenths links, 311 degree 44 minutes 7 chains 76 and 5 tenths links and 319 degrees 14 minutes 9 chains 54 and one-tenth links to the point of commencement.
Page 36 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 37 of 45 Appendix C - environmental context A Justification of the listing criteria for the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site The Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site meets six of the nine criteria:
- Ramsar wetland Criterion 1: Great Sandy Strait is an outstanding example of a sand passage estuary and is in a relatively undisturbed state. Large, well developed expanses of sand and mud flats, salt flats, mangroves and seagrass beds are widespread along the Strait. Such passages are rare in Queensland but less spectacular passages Introduction countries to nominate sites containing representative, occur elsewhere in the South East Queensland bioregion. Also, the rare patterned fens occur in perhaps rare or unique wetlands, or that are important for only one other part of the biogeographic region, and are not known anywhere else in the sub-tropics A significant proportion of the Cooloola Coast is conserving biological diversity, to the List of Wetlands worldwide. surrounded by the Great Sandy Strait, which is a of International Importance (Ramsar sites). Australia Criterion 2: The Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site provides feeding grounds that are frequently or occasionally used by Ramsar site. was one of the first countries to become a Contracting six species of threatened marine turtle, the Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Flatback Party to the Convention and designated the world’s first “Ramsar wetlands are those that are representative, Turtle, Leatherback Turtle and Pacific Ridley Turtle. Other threatened species that occur in the site include Ramsar site, Cobourg Peninsula, in 1974. rare or unique wetlands, or are important for the Dugong, Humpback Whale, Water Mouse, Illidge’s Ant Blue Butterfly, and the Oxleyan Pygmy Perch. conserving biological diversity. Key features of the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site Criterion 3: The Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site supports at least 38 species of shorebirds, 104 species of fish, 27 Under the Ramsar Convention, a wide variety of natural The Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site is located in south- species of molluscs, hard and soft coral species, 11 species of mangrove, and seven species of seagrass. and human-made habitat types ranging from rivers eastern Queensland and includes Great Sandy Strait, The mangrove communities within the Strait represent a transition between essentially temperate and to coral reefs can be classified as wetlands. Wetlands Tin Can Bay, Tin Can Bay Inlet, parts of Fraser Island tropical species. include swamps, marshes, billabongs, lakes, salt marshes, and the mainland. It is a sand passage estuary between Criterion 4: Wetlands along Great Sandy Strait regularly support in excess of 20 000 migratory shorebirds. Counts mudflats, mangroves, coral reefs, fens, peat bogs, or the mainland and the World Heritage-listed Fraser between 30 000 and 40 000 shorebirds have been recorded on several occasions. bodies of water – whether natural or artificial, permanent Island. Fraser Island has formed sufficiently close to the or temporary. Water within these areas can be static or mainland to block the flow of a substantial river system, Criterion 5: Wetlands along Great Sandy Strait regularly support more than 1% the total world population of the flowing; fresh, brackish or saline; and can include inland creating a double-ended estuary with a shifting (though following species: Eastern Curlews, Grey-tailed Tattlers, Lesser Sand Plovers, Terek Sandpipers, Whimbrels, rivers and coastal or marine water to a depth of six relatively stable) pattern of mangroves, sand banks and Bar-tailed Godwits, Pied Oystercatchers, Greenshanks, and Grey Plovers. metres at low tide. There are even underground wetlands. mud islands. Criterion 6: The Great Sandy Strait tidal wetlands are extremely important for protection of, and source of food for, The Ramsar Convention encourages the designation of Great Sandy Strait is a large area of tidal swamps juvenile and adult fish, prawns and other crustaceans. It is highly valued for commercial and recreational sites containing representative, rare or unique wetlands, consisting of intertidal sand and mud flats, extended fishing.” or wetlands that are important for conserving biological seagrass beds, mangrove forests, salt flats and diversity. Once designated, these sites are added to the saltmarshes, and often contiguous with freshwater Information sourced from the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Convention’s List of Wetlands of International Importance Paperbark wetlands and Coastal Wallum swamps. The Water, Population and Communities website and become known as Ramsar sites. In designating a mangrove communities within the Strait represent a www.environment.gov.au. Refer to Map One. wetland as a Ramsar site, countries agree to establish and transition between essentially temperate and tropical oversee a management framework aimed at conserving species. The rare patterned fens have also been the wetland and ensuring its wise use. Wise use under recorded along Great Sandy Strait. the Convention is broadly defined as maintaining the ecological character of a wetland. Wetlands can The coastal wetlands of Great Sandy Strait are also be included on the List of Wetlands of International of international significance for migratory birds, with Importance because of their ecological, botanical, 18 species listed under international migratory bird zoological, limnological or hydrological importance. conservation agreements recorded within the Ramsar site. The Strait is also utilised by turtle species, Dugong For a wetland to be designated to this list it must satisfy and Humpback Whales. Threatened fish such as one or more of the criteria for identifying wetlands of Oxleyan Pygmy Perch and Honey Blue-eye are also international importance. known to inhabit the area.
The Convention on Wetlands of International Great Sandy Strait holds significant cultural heritage Importance (the Ramsar Convention) was signed values for local indigenous groups. Evidence of occupation in Ramsar, Iran on 2 February 1971. The Ramsar in the area dates back 5,500 years and middens are Convention aims to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands frequently found in the site. The Ramsar site is currently and to conserve, through wise use and management, highly valued for commercial fishing, recreational fishing, those that remain. The Convention encourages member boating and tourism related activities.
Page 38 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 39 of 45 Appendix D - environmental context B - threatened species
Threatened fauna and flora species can be found in • loss or modification of habitat through clearing for certain areas of the Cooloola Coast. Consideration to agriculture these species needs to be undertaken when planning • loss or modification of habitat through clearing for and implementing management and maintenance development practices so as to not put these species at further • motor vehicle strike risk. The Nature Conservation Act (state government • overuse of herbicides legislation) and the environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (federal government • waterway modification, clearing, degradation and legislation) govern the protection of these species. pollution.
Each of these species has been subjected to various Council is currently reviewing internal processes for threatening processes which have led to their decline. on-ground works to: Some of these processes include: • identify locations of threatened flora and fauna • competition with feral fauna species • competition with weeds • ensure maintenance and new works are assessed in relation to location of threatened species and their • cultivation or harvesting of seeds or fruit habitat • fire regimes • ensuring legislation requirements are met and • habitat degradation through disturbance adhered to by obtaining the appropriate state and • habitat degradation through invasion of weeds federal government approvals.
Map Four
Page 40 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 41 of 45 Threatened fauna species Threatened flora species Scientific name Common name Nature Conservation Act Environment Protection Scientific name Common name Nature Conservation Act Environment Protection and status and Biodiversity Status Biodiversity Conservation Conservation Act status Act Status Acanthophis antarcticus Common Death Adder Near threatened Acacia attenuata Whipstick Wattle Vulnerable Vulnerable Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk Near threatened Acacia baueri subsp. baueri Tiny Wattle Vulnerable Acrodipsas illidgei Illidge’s Ant-Blue Vulnerable Acronychia littoralis Scented Acronychia Endangered Endangered Aerodramus terraereginae Australian Swiftlet Near threatened Archidendron lovelliae Bacon Wood Vulnerable Vulnerable Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater Endangered Endangered Blandfordia grandiflora Christmas Bells Endangered Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern Endangered Cryptocarya foetida Stinking Cryptocarya Vulnerable Vulnerable Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo Vulnerable Cryptostylis hunteriana Furred Tongue Orchid Vulnerable Coeranoscincus reticulatus Three-Toed Snake-Tooth Skink Near threatened Vulnerable Glycine argyrea Silver Glycine Near threatened Crinia tinnula Wallum Froglet Vulnerable Liparis simmondsii Near threatened Dasyurus maculatus maculatus Spotted-Tailed Quoll Vulnerable Endangered Macarthuria complanata Near threatened Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-Necked Stork Near threatened Macrozamia pauli-guilielmi Pineapple Zamia Endangered Endangered Eroticoscincus graciloides Elf Skink Near threatened Marsdenia hemiptera Rusty Vine Near threatened Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk Endangered Vulnerable Phaius australis Lesser Swamp Orchid Endangered Endangered Esacus magnirostris Beach Stone-Curlew Vulnerable Prasophyllum exilis Wallum Leek Orchid Near threatened Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater Vulnerable Schoenus scabripes Near threatened Haematopus fuliginosus Sooty Oystercatcher Near threatened Taeniophyllum muelleri Vulnerable Kerivoula papuensis Golden-Tipped Bat Near threatened Tecomanthe hillii Fraser Island Creeper Near threatened Litoria freycineti Wallum Rocketfrog Vulnerable Xanthostemon oppositifolius Southern Penda Vulnerable Vulnerable Litoria olongburensis Wallum Sedgefrog Vulnerable Vulnerable Lewinia pectoralis Lewin’s Rail Near threatened The listed threatened flora species are known, likely or may occur on the Cooloola Coast. Information sourced from Lophoictinia isura Square-Tailed Kite Near threatened wildlife on-line. Melithreptus gularis Black-Chinned Honeyeater Near threatened Nannoperca oxleyana Oxleyan Pygmy Perch Vulnerable Endangered Ninox strenua Powerful Owl Vulnerable Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot Near threatened Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew Near threatened Nyctophilus corbeni Eastern Long-Eared Bat Vulnerable Vulnerable Ophioscincus cooloolensis Cooloola Snake-skink Near threatened Pezoporus wallicus wallicus Ground Parrot Vulnerable Phascolarctos cinereus Koala Vulnerable Podargus ocellatus plumiferus Plumed Frogmouth Vulnerable Potorous tridactylus tridactylus Long-Nosed Potoroo Vulnerable Vulnerable Pseudomugil mellis Honey Blue Eye Vulnerable Vulnerable Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-Headed Flying-Fox Vulnerable Ramphotyphlops silvia Cooloola Blind Snake Near threatened Sternula albifrons Little Tern Endangered Turnix melanogaster Black-Breasted Button-Quail Vulnerable Vulnerable Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa Sooty Owl Near threatened Xeromys myoides Water Mouse Vulnerable Vulnerable
The listed threatened fauna species are known, likely or may occur on the Cooloola Coast. Information sourced from wildlife on-line.
Page 42 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 43 of 45 Appendix E - HAT Maps
COOLOOLA COASTAL FORESHORE RESERVES MANAGEMENT PLAN Mullins Creek ••
Legend : Map 4 HAT Tin Can Bay and Mullins Creek
Scale 1:20 000 Date: 10 March 2013
While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this map, Gympie Regional Council makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or suitability for any particular purpose of the data disclaims all responsibility and all liability for all expenses, losses, damage and costs which might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason.
Page 44 of 45 | Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan Revised: 16/05/2019 | ENV0003 ENV0003 | Revised: 16/05/2019 Cooloola Coastal Foreshore Reserves Management Plan | Page 45 of 45 Gympie Regional Council 1300 307 800 2 Caledonian Hill (PO Box 155), Gympie QLD 4570 gympie.qld.gov.au
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